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Wolves striker Raul Jimenez is reportedly a target of German giants Bayern Munich this summer – if the Bundesliga club are to part ways with Robert Lewandowski.

What’s the latest?

According to El Futbolero, Bayern have started identifying potential striker targets in case the Poland international were to depart Bavaria this summer, with Jimenez on that list.

The Mexican forward has been a sensation at Molineux since arriving from Benfica – initially on loan – in 2018 ahead of the Black Country club’s first season back in the Premier League.

Having sustained a career-threatening skull fracture last season, the 30-year-old has remarkably managed to return to action for Bruno Lage’s men this term, although has endured a goal-shy campaign for his standards.

Wolves must keep Jimenez

Despite scoring six goals in the Premier League this term, the 30-year-old is undoubtedly Wolves’ best striker – with 19-year-old Fabio Silva still struggling to adapt to the English top flight.

However, the Mexican’s quality in front of goal has undoubtedly dipped since suffering his serious injury, having scored a whopping 27 goals in 55 appearances during the 2019/20 season, with 17 of those coming in the Premier League.

Although, this season has seen the entire Wolves squad be rather timid in front of goal under Lage, with the Portuguese manager’s side scoring just 33 goals in 32 matches – with only Brighton & Hove Albion, Burnley, Watford and Norwich City having scored fewer.

That makes Jimenez’s six goals worth 18% of his side’s strikes, with no other Wolves player scoring more in the league this season.

Moreover, there are no guarantees that the striker would be a regular in Julian Nagelsmann’s Bayern side, with the German club certainly looking for a goalscorer that could come close to replacing the 341 goals scored and 69 assists registered in 370 appearances by Lewandowski.

The Mexican is brilliant, but his record comes nowhere near that of the Poland international.

Therefore, if the 30-year-old were to depart for Munich it would certainly aggrieve Wolves supporters seeing him struggle for game time, given how fond of the striker they have become over the last four years.

It would also mean that the West Midlands club would have to invest in a high-quality striker this summer, although, that may already be in the plans for the upcoming transfer window.

Jimenez has been a cult hero at Molineux and a departure would certainly infuriate the Old Gold faithful, with Lage agreeing to the centre-forward’s sale potentially being an unforgivable decision for many involved with the club.

AND in other news: Lage could unearth Wolves’ next £100m talent as Fosun plot offer for 19-year-old “missile”

Sunderland have been handed a quadruple boost ahead of their upcoming League One clash.

What’s the latest?

In recent comments cited by The Chronicle, Lee Johnson revealed that both Lee Burge and Corry Evans are available for the top of the table clash with Accrington Stanley on Saturday following their respective recoveries from injury, adding that deadline day additions Leon Dajaku and Ron-Thorben Hoffmann would also be available for selection.

Concerning Burge and Evans, the 40-year-old said: “Lee is fine. he has had a good two weeks’ training, he’s looked good, looked sharp. He’s in a good place.

“Corry is also in a decent place, to be fair. He has done really well, and we have used this as sort of a mini-pre-season for him, because don’t forget he missed a lot of pre-season proper, and we felt he was chasing minutes and games and that was probably what led to the hamstring tweak anyway.”

Regarding Dajaku and Hoffmann, Johnson said: “They are available, albeit they are in different circumstances. Both have looked good in training, and that’s good because obviously you want to see them first-hand and get to know what they are like as human beings.

“With both players, we are taking a long-term view but they are available tomorrow.”

Johnson will be buzzing

Having seen his Sunderland team get their 2021/22 campaign off to a fantastic start, picking up 12 points from their opening five fixtures of the season, Johnson must be buzzing that he looks set to be able to call upon both Burge and Evans, as well as Dajaku and Hoffmann, for the clash against an equally impressive Accrington side.

Indeed, the goalkeeper impressed over his three League One appearances prior to his injury, making 2.3 saves per game and averaging a SofaScore match rating of 6.97; while the return of Evans -who Johnson dubbed “such an important player” for Sunderland – is clearly another massive boost for the 40-year-old.

Furthermore, while it would appear less certain as to whether either of Dajaku and Hoffmann will feature against Accrington, their availability will nevertheless be a further plus for Johnson, who will be spoiled for choice when putting together his matchday squad this afternoon.

As such, the Mackems look in very good shape going into what is bound to be a challenging test against John Coleman’s second-placed side, with the Black Cats having a real opportunity today to demonstrate to the rest of the league that they mean business this season.

In other news: “Huge difference”: Key Sunderland figure drops claim which will be music to the ears of fans

Speaking to Football Insider, pundit Noel Whelan has been left in awe by West Ham transfer news involving Real Madrid striker Luka Jovic.

The Lowdown: West Ham weighing Jovic swoop…

As per Eurosport, the Irons are now weighing a swoop for the Galacticos forward, having been long-term admirers of the Serbian.

It is understood that Jovic will not be in Carlo Ancelotti’s plans for next season, which has prompted the Hammers to consider making a move for him before August 31.

David Moyes has long been on the lookout for a new forward as backup/competition for Michail Antonio, who spent his fair share of time on the sidelines over 2020/21.

The Latest: Whelan reacts…

Reacting to this Eurosport claim involving Jovic, pundit and former Premier League striker Whelan believes that it may just be the ‘perfect fit’ for West Ham.

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He also hailed what a potential bit of business that signing the 23-year-old would be for the Hammers, not to mention how their location in the English capital could be a massive selling point.

“Absolutely. The chance to live in London, this is what foreign players want,” Whelan explained to Football Insider.

“When they’ve been at big clubs and places like Madrid, they want the capital kind of living down there. It’s a great opportunity.

“If West Ham can get this one over the line or pull it out the hat if he’s surplus requirements, then I’m sure both parties can come to an agreement.

“It might just be the perfect fit. Wow, what a bit of business that would be for West Ham.”

The Verdict: Best remaining option?

Links to new forwards have been scarce over these last few weeks, with Divock Origi and Martin Braithwaite standing out as names who are mentioned the most consistently.

Jovic, who has been called ‘magical’ by none other than superstar Lionel Messi, comes as another exciting option given his young age and plaudits – even despite the fact he can’t muster much game time at the Bernabeu.

Former Eintracht Frankfurt boss Adi Hutter also heaped praise on the young striker earlier this year during his loan spell back at Deutsche Bank Park, branding Jovic ‘absolute world-class’ (realmadridlatestnews.com).

If West Ham could somehow land him before the transfer window deadline, it may just be a saving grace for Moyes.

In other news: ‘Wow’, ‘Staggering’, ‘Cannot write this’…West Ham fans react as news now confirmed, find out more here.

Celtic look set to land a former player from their crosstown rivals in Ciaran Dickson after images of the midfielder holding up a Hoops shirt emerged, as reported by Glasgow Live.

The Lowdown: Deadline day business

Dominic McKay has already been extremely busy in his first summer as CEO, bringing in nine new players for Ange Postecoglou.

That looks to increase to 11 on deadline day, with striker Georgios Giakoumakis and winger Filipe Jota set to arrive at Parkhead.

However, it seems as if another player could well arrive in Glasgow in Dickson, who left fierce crosstown rivals Rangers this summer.

The Latest: Dickson’s Celtic image

As reported by Glasgow Live, the 19-year-old has been pictured at Celtic Park holding up a Hoops shirt with his name and number 51 on the back in an apparent signing image.

Dickson was released by the Gers in the summer after penning a three-year deal in January and now looks set to remain in Glasgow with a prospective move to Celtic.

The Verdict: Smart

Celtic appear to be building for the future, with seven of the club’s nine additions this summer 26 years of age or younger. With that in mind, adding Dickson – who Steven Gerrard described as ‘terrific’ – could be a smart move in the long run.

The teenager is a free agent and can play as a central, attacking or right midfielder, so his versatility could come in handy further down the line. It would also be immensely satisfying to snap up a player who had previously looked like being a hot prospect for their fiercest rivals.

In other news: Celtic face competition for another attacking target. 

Chris Sutton has been reacting to more Celtic injury news, this time on summer signing Giorgos Giakoumakis.

The Lowdown: Calf injury

Giakoumakis was included in a Celtic matchday squad for the first time on Thursday but failed to make his debut in a 3-0 win over Raith Rovers.

Ange Postecoglou confirmed after the game that the Dutch striker injured his calf in the warm-up and was sent for a scan as a result.

As a result, Giakoumakis looks set to join Christopher Jullien, Greg Taylor, Kyogo Furuhashi and Mikey Johnston on the sidelines, with captain Callum McGregor also missed the last three games.

The Latest: Sutton reacts

Sutton took to Twitter late on Thursday evening to give his thoughts on the striker.

He described the latest setback for Giakoumakis as a ‘nightmare’ for Postecoglou.

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The Verdict: Concerning…

Giakoumakis was brought in on deadline day to fill the void left by Odsonne Edouard and Leigh Griffiths.

However, he last kicked a competitive ball in May and seemed to be quite far off fitness-wise earlier this month.

Add a fresh calf injury into the mix, you’d expect he’ll miss Dundee United on the weekend, so it does seem a bit concerning in regards to the Hoops splashing £2.5m on the 26-year-old.

In other news: ‘Hopefully’ – Kieran Devlin shares ‘important’ area Celtic may add to next after McElhone. 

Dean Windass exclusively told Football FanCast that Kurt Zouma would be an outstanding signing for West Ham.

Following their second-best Premier League finish last season, David Moyes’ men are in the group stages of the Europa League for the first time.

And with at least six extra games in the pipeline next term, the Hammers need a squad of players capable of playing twice a week up until Christmas.

According to Sky Sports, Moyes has been looking to add Zouma to his squad to compete with the likes of Craig Dawson, Issa Diop and Angelo Ogbonna at centre-back.

Despite his involvement for Chelsea on the way to winning the Champions League last season, the Frenchman is surplus to requirements with Sevilla’s Jules Kounde linked to the Stamford Bridge outfit.

West Ham’s only current signing so far has been a loan deal for PSG goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, but Windass believes Zouma would be another shrewd piece of business.

He exclusively told FFC:

“I like that, I’m surprised Chelsea are letting him go. I think he’s been outstanding for Thomas. I can’t believe how good he is in the air.

“He’s strong, quick, not the most gifted on the ball, but that would be a great fit for West Ham if they can get that over the line, although I’m so surprised Chelsea want to get rid of him.”

Celtic have seen many players come and go over the years, with the Hoops constantly trying to strengthen their squad to give them the best chance of being successful in every season.

However, as happens with many teamd, some players end up slipping through the net at one club and then go on to have impressive careers elsewhere.

One example of this happening at Celtic came all the way back in 2009, when the Hoops had the chance to sign right-back Seamus Coleman.

According to Planet Football, the Parkhead club had taken the defender on trial but decided he wasn’t worth signing before he eventually joined Premier League side Everton, in a deal worth a reported bargain fee of £60k.

Since then, the Irishman has gone on to become a stalwart for the Toffees by racking up 376 appearances across all competitions, scoring 27 goals and providing 32 assists along the way.

Labelled a “world-class” player by his former Ireland manager Martin O’Neill, the veteran has recorded an average of 2.4 tackles per Premier League game this season, higher than any other defender currently in Frank Lampard’s squad.

Despite not getting his hands on any silverware during his time at Goodison Park, the 33-year-old – who is currently picking up £68k-per-week according to Salary Sport – has still garnered a lot of respect from many big names to have been involved in English football.

For example, during his time in charge of Everton, Carlo Ancelotti likened the former Celtic trialist to legendary defender Paolo Maldini and put him in the same bracket as some of the other big names he has managed, such as John Terry and Sergio Ramos.

Taking all this into account, it can be said that the Hoops and then-chairman John Reid may have made a mistake by not securing a permanent deal for Coleman when they had the chance 13 years ago.

Given the Irishman’s longevity at Everton and what he has provided for the club on and off the pitch, it’s safe to suggest that he would have been a key figure for Celtic had they pounced on him.

In other news: Celtic will rue call on £25k-p/w gem whose value has rocketed 400% since Parkhead exit

Journalist Joe Chapman was left impressed with Jayson Molumby’s lively home debut after West Brom’s narrow 1-0 win over Birmingham City.

The Lowdown: West Brom go top

The Baggies returned to Championship duties on Friday evening, resuming their title charge at the expense of Birmingham.

Karlan Grant’s expertly-taken second-half strike was enough for Valerien Ismael’s side get the better of Lee Bowyer’s Blues, despite a less than perfect performance.

The Latest: Molumby impresses on home debut

West Brom struggled to click overall, but someone who did their future chances no harm was Molumby, who made his home debut after joining on loan from Brighton in the summer, coming on as a substitute after the break.

Taking to Twitter on Friday night, Chapman showed his appreciation for the 22-year-old in a positive five-word verdict:

“A word on Jayson Molumby. Home debut, in a derby match with things not going the way of WBA. Made an impact. Promising signs.”

The Verdict: Promising early signs

As Chapman alludes to, Molumby has made an encouraging start to life at the Hawthorns, playing with the kind of intensity that will likely appeal to Ismael.

He made one tackle and won his only aerial duel when he came on and was ‘buzzing around the place’, according to Chapman in his post-match player ratings.

Molumby may not be a key starter as the season progresses but he has shown that he can be effective from the bench, with squad depth so vital in the gruelling Championship campaign.

In other news, some West Brom fans praised one player’s first-half performance against Birmingham. Read more here.

According to a report from Italian outlet MilanLive.it (via Sport Witness), Liverpool remain interested in signing Watford winger Ismaila Sarr. 

The lowdown: Reds slayer

Initial interest in Sarr materialised shortly after the Senegalese ace had put Jurgen Klopp’s side to the sword at Vicarage Road in February 2020.

The 24-year-old forward was in unstoppable form on the night, scoring twice in a 3-0 victory as Watford ended Liverpool’s hopes of going through the Premier League season unbeaten.

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The Anfield club instead opted to sign Portuguese ace Diogo Jota, whose productivity has been off the charts since arriving on Merseyside.

However, as the summer transfer window looms, a reignited move for the ex-Rennes speedster remains a possibility…

The latest: On the radar

As per MilanLive.it, translated by SW, it’s stated that Liverpool ‘seem to have plans to get serious’ in pursuit of Sarr this summer.

The report claims that AC Milan view the Reds and new sporting director Julian Ward as a ‘dangerous competitor’ in the race to sign the 39-cap star.

This comes after reports last month revealed Klopp is personally a huge fan of the player, marking him out as his number one target to reinforce the attack.

The verdict: An inevitable departure?

So far this season Sarr has scored five times and provided one assist in 17 top-flight outings for relegation-threatened Watford, taking the Africa Cup of Nations winner to 41 direct goal contritions for the Hertfordshire club.

Named player of the season in 2020/21, having dropped down to the Championship only to fire Watford straight back up, should the Hornets indeed be relegated for a second time during his stay then a move away seems inevitable.

Predominantly operating from a right-wing role, Sarr would provide adequate cover for Mohamed Salah, a position of relative understrength in comparison to the abundance of natural left-wing options in Sadio Mane, Luis Diaz and Jota himself.

Lauded as a ‘freak’ by teammate Ben Foster, adding the £24.3million valued man to the already frightening Liverpool attacking ranks would be a worthwhile venture at the right price.

In other news, manager admits desire to sign Liverpool cult hero. Find out more here.

Celtic have been dealt a big blow in their bid to bring Callum Styles to Parkhead in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by the Daily Record, who claimed that Barnsley look set to play hardball regarding the sale of the 21-year-old this month, as Poya Asbaghi recently revealed that he is not willing to let any of his first-team regulars leave the club midway through the season.

Speaking about his plans for the January market, the Barnsley boss said: “In the end, we want to make room in the squad and it’s better to let go of players who aren’t playing – not players who are playing. I will not go too deep into specifics on positions but I can say maybe left-back is not our biggest concern.”

The Daily Record went on to suggest that this update will come as a blow to Ange Postecoglou and his Celtic side, as the 56-year-old Bhoys boss is believed to have identified the versatile left-footer as one of his primary targets this month in a bid to solve the troublesome left-back spot in his Hoops side.

Postecoglou will be livid

Considering just how impressive Styles has been for Barnsley this season, in addition to how well suited he seems to Postecoglou’s particular brand of football, the news that the Yorkshire club look set to put up a fight for the 21-year-old this month is sure to have left the Celtic manager livid.

Indeed, over his 22 league outings in the current campaign, the £2.7m-rated man – who has often been deployed in a more advanced position on the left flank this season, as well as in central midfield – has scored one goal, registered one assist and created three big chances for his teammates.

The £3.4k-per-week 21-year-old has also averaged 1.3 interceptions, 2.3 tackles and one key pass and won 4.6 duels per game. These returns have seen the player who Cauley Woodrow dubbed a “massive talent” average a SofaScore match rating of 6.77, ranking him as Barnsley’s eighth-best performer in the Championship.

As such, due to his attacking inclination, positional versatility and extremely high potential, it is clear to see why Postecoglou would be interested in a move for Styles this month.

However, following the latest update concerning the youngster’s future, it would appear as if a move for the Barnsley starlet may be rather tricky to pull off for Celtic this month, something which will undoubtedly come as a big blow to the Hoops manager and his side.

In other news: Postecoglou heading for Celtic disaster with “superb” £1.35m-rated beast as Anthony Joseph confirms bid